Oil Leaking from Breather Hose on Valve Cover

[farmervic]

What an awesome website! I love my Kubota b20 which I rescued from a rental yard. It just started "pouring" oil out of the breather valve that is located on the valve cover when it gets hot. The quantity of oil that is released is not insignificant. I also noticed a residual amount of coolant/water coming out of the radiator leading me to believe that its heating up.

Interesting note...I did just change the oil and filter, so I know that the oil level was pretty close to perfect (per specifications sheet). However, the dipstick registers a high quantity blowing past the max level indicator

Thanks to all of you we are able figure out these problems and keep our little orange monsters alive

 

[KubotaTech]

If you fill your radiator to the top, then run it until it is heated up, it will push some coolant out, which is normal until it finds its level. If it continues to push it out, it isnt normal. Does the tractor have a temp gauge? If so, what is it showing? If there is a problem with the cooling system you could test the cap or see if the thermostat is operating properly. As far as the blowby, if your oil level is high, it may push the oil out the tube. I would first correct that problem. I have noticed that the specs given by Kubota are not always 100% correct, in regards to capacities. Keep an eye on the oil level to be sure it does not increase, in which case you may be leaking water into the oil. Did the oil that was drained out show any signs of coolant?

 

[bruceatlam]

My B20 takes a little over three quarts to reach the full mark on the dipstick. So far, that's where I've run it even though the manual says it should hold four quarts. I can't get four in ---

If I fill the radiator to the top, it will spit out coolant until it reaches the level that it wants to run at -- then it stops spitting. Mine will run at 170 deg all day long.

 

[eserv]

The b20 holds 3 liters of oil in the crankcase.
Ed

 

[farmervic]

thanks for all your input. I did put slightly more than 4 quarts of oil. I will remove and replace oil to fill to dipstick indicator (shooting for 3 quarts per the feedback). It does appear that the thermostat opens and circulates the water.

 

[farmervic]

the oil removed from the tractor did not show any signs of coolant and/or water

 

[Bulldog]

Have you washed the radiator out good? Sometimes they are a real pain to get all the dirt out of them.

 

[farmervic]

I haven't, but I will. Could that cause the blow by to spit out oil? I am just hoping its nothing serious.

 

[Bulldog]

It's possible. If the engine is overheating it may be causing more than a normal amount of oil vapor to go to the breather and then when it cools done as it's coming out it will change back to a solid state (oil) and run out causing all your mess. You need a good clean radiator anyway so it won't hurt to try.

 

[farmervic]

just noticed the hydraulic is bone empty. I am starting to suspect that the hydraulic oil is getting into the crankcase. Has anyone ever heard of that?

 

[stuart]

Yes, I had it happen. There is already a current discussion about that, plus a number of older ones.

 

[Bulldog]

The only place that can happen is where the engine drives the hyd pump. If the seal is bad it's possible for the fluid to transfer.